Lead Hand – Property Care

Hutten Land & Shore; Owen Sound; On-site; CAD 63,039,000 - 74,501,000; Full time

Job summary

Hutten Land & Shore is seeking a Lead Hand – Property Care to support on-site leadership for high-end residential landscapes in Owen Sound, Ontario. You will assist with supervising a small crew and delivering expert horticultural care.

The role emphasizes organization, client-facing communication, and accountability, with hands-on work and opportunities to grow leadership responsibilities within the company.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of gardening experience.
• Strong plant ID, pruning, and cultural care knowledge.
• Comfort guiding others on site and reading landscape plans.

Responsibilities

• Assist Crew Leader in supervising a 2–3 person crew.
• Support safety, quality, and productivity on job sites.
• Perform advanced horticultural services: pruning, plant care, fertilizing, seasonal prep.

Skills

Plant identification

Horticultural care

Leadership

Customer service

Organization

Education

Horticulture diploma or certificate

Tools

Truck & trailer operation

Manual & power garden tools

Job description

Lead Hand – Property Care

Hutten Land & Shore

Owen Sound, ON

$22–$26/hour, based on experience

Care for natural beauty.

You know your plants. You understand how properties should look — and why. And you’re ready to step up and support leadership on site.

As a Lead Hand – Property Care, you assist the Crew Leader in maintaining high-end residential properties and select commercial sites to the highest horticultural standard. You combine strong technical gardening skill with organization, customer service, and growing leadership responsibility.

This is hands-on horticultural work — with increasing accountability and client-facing trust.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

• Assist the Crew Leader in supervising, delegating, and coordinating daily work activities of a 2–3 person crew
• Support the management of safety, quality, and productivity on job sites
• Perform advanced horticultural services including pruning, plant care, fertilizing, and seasonal preparation
• Complete edging, mulching, seasonal cleanups, and detailed garden management
• Install seasonal colour and container plantings
• Assist with irrigation and lighting maintenance
• Support enhancements including new plantings, garden expansion, and minor improvements

Leadership & Professionalism

• Communicate professionally and courteously with customers
• Participate actively in team meetings and company initiatives
• Demonstrate attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Complete daily logs, planning reports, and documentation as required
• Conduct quality assessments and property inspections
• Support Crew Leader with site consultations and technical input

Technical Skill & Equipment

• Demonstrate strong plant identification and cultural care knowledge
• Perform site calculations and material quantity take-offs
• Operate manual and power garden tools safely and efficiently
• Operate compact equipment and yard loader where required
• Operate crew truck and trailer
• Perform daily preventative maintenance on tools and equipment

What Success Looks Like

• Properties maintained to expert horticultural standards
• Work completed within estimated hours
• Daily documentation completed consistently
• Strong client trust and positive feedback
• Clean, organized trucks, equipment, and job sites
• Reliable support to the Crew Leader and team

Who This Role Is Perfect For

• You value the Hutten philosophy and professional standards
• You have at least 3 years of gardening experience
• You are strong in plant ID, pruning, and cultural care
• You are detail-oriented and organized
• You are confident guiding others on site
• You are comfortable working outdoors in hot, cold, and wet weather
• You are skilled with manual and power garden tools
• You can read and understand landscape plans
• You are comfortable using a smartphone for communication and reporting
• You hold a valid Class A Restricted (AR) license or greater, or are willing and able to obtain one within 3 months of hire, and are confident operating trucks, trailers, and equipment safely and professionally
• A horticulture diploma or certificate is an asset

Property Care operates throughout the growing season, typically from spring through late fall. During slower periods, there may be opportunities to contribute to other departments depending on workload and company needs.

Why Hutten Land & Shore?

You’ll maintain primarily high-end residential landscapes and select commercial sites throughout Ontario’s recreational hub.

• Strong coaching and horticultural development
• Open book management
• Monthly team events — BBQs, family parties, breakfast updates, games, and seasonal celebrations — designed to celebrate hard work and bring the team together.
• A high-performance, growth-focused culture
• Real opportunity to develop leadership skills and advance within the company